Murphys95

We brought up this discussion on the latest post-game show. Thought I'd post the statistical comparison of two. Both are first round draft picks - here are their numbers after their first 5 games:

Laurence Maroney: 78 carries, 332 yards, 3 rushing TDs
Robert Edwards: 88 carries, 379 yards, 5 rushing TDs (1 receiving)

Edwards finished his rookie season with 1115 yards rushing, 9 rushing touchdowns, and 3 receiving tds.

It's just a comparison - not drawing any inferences from it. Maroney's situation is slightly different in that he shares the backfield with Dillon, whereas Edwards was asked to carry much of the load (but also was in the tall shadow that Curtis Martin left behind). If you want to listen to the entire show hop over to our website and then click "listen now" - check it out, our listenership spans the globe.

BradyManny

Interesting. It's easy to forget that Edwards was pretty damn good in his one and only season.

As for comparison with Maroney, I think Edwards YPC was under 4, right? Maroney is more explosive. Perfect combo of power and speed.

Murphys95

Yes, Edwards averaged 3.8 yards per carry by the end of '98. I agree, although similar in stature, Maroney appears to be much more explosive.

Brownfan80

Interesting. You have to stop and wonder what Edwards might have done with his career if he'd just stayed off that beach at the Pro-Bowl.

My suggestion to Maroney: No sand-oriented sporting events for you, young lad.

BradyManny

BB has probably already hired a sniper to follow Maroney and hit him with a tranq dart if he gets near a beach in the offseason.

One more thing about Maroney - the way tacklers drip right off of him in the open field is unbelievable. He seems to be more dependent on the OL creating holes for him than Dillon is (I'm guessing that will change with experience), but any open space, and Maroney is just impossible to bring down.

ironwasp

That's a terrific post Murphys. I have spent a lot of time this season trying not to think about Maroney in the light of Robert Edwards - the way his career ended was a personal tragedy as well as a massive set-back for a team that really didn't need it. I hope Maroney plays his career out under kinder stars.

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rookBoston

Isn't any one else worried about the bad karma in saying the names of those two RBs in the same sentence?

Stop now. Bad thread.

Seriously.

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zippo59

Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

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It will be interesting to see how Maroney does when defenses aren't setting out to stop the run first. This will happen when Brady and the WR's get more playing time and consistancy. But as of now it is clear that oppossing defenses main objective is to stop the run which makes Dillon and Maroney's numbers even more impressive.

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Unofficial Kevin Faulk supporter.

PYPER

I was never impressed by Edwards instincts. He didn't really have a feel for the position. Maroney on the other hand, "knows how to run".

It's hard to explain what I mean. It's basically knowing how to read blocks and how to use angles and how to make all the subtle moves than can make a big difference. Running backs either got it or they don't. I never thought Edwards did. Maroney is much better b/c he does.

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JR4

Robert Edwards come back is amazing. He is still doing well:

Robert Edwards, the Alouettes' bruising running back, a former first-round draft pick of the NFL's New England Patriots, is the CFL's third-leading rusher this season with 1,044 yards.